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‘Missing’: Thriller with plot-holes galore (IANS Review, Rating:*1/2)
By Troy Ribeiro
Film: “Missing”; Director: Mukul Abhyankar; Cast: Tabu, Manoj Bajpayee, Annu Kapoor; Rating:*1/2
A psychological thriller, ‘Missing’ is about the search of a three-year-old child, Titli, who goes missing from a resort in Mauritius one night.
Sushant Dubey, a compulsive but harmless flirt, reluctantly brings his wife Aparna and their three-year-old daughter Titli to Mauritius with him on a work tour, after she insists on accompanying him.
The very next morning after they check into the resort, Titli, who had been running a high fever, goes missing from their room in the wee hours.
The search for Titli and the subsequent investigation by Investigating Officer, Ramkhilawan Buddu (Annu Kapoor) and his team and the startling revelations that unfurl, form the crux of this film.
Manoj Bajpayee as Sushant Dubey fits the personality of the character he is essaying, like a glove, but performs with exaggerated mannerisms in certain scenes, almost reminiscent of his role in Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Kaun’. It is the weak story line and the poor handling of the plot is what further lets him down.
Tabu as Aparna, the concerned and anguished mother, is deeply convincing but lacks energy on screen.
Annu Kapoor as the investigating officer, is miscast and evokes unintentional laughter, with his mouthing dialogues in French with panache and then translating those in Hindi, for the benefit of the audience. His over acting and dramatic gestures, make him seem like a caricature.
The rest of the supporting cast deliver what is expected of them. What starts off as an interesting premise, sadly degenerates into an unconvincing, amateurish and mindless plot, replete with gaping loopholes. The story within a story, perhaps, intentionally crafted to engage the viewer, appears convoluted, incredulous and a tad slipshod.
The several versions and multiple points of view, a typical ingredient in a thriller, meant to give range, is uncalled for here and fails to build the necessary tension and drama.
The deliberate use of mise-en-scene purportedly to impart credibility, in fact takes away the seriousness and makes the film seem contrived. The emotional complexity given to the characters, especially that of Tabu’s fails to make them rise to the occasion.
The weak plot and its poor treatment, are the undoing of this film which had the potential of becoming an exciting film. The resolution, a feeble attempt to lend an interesting twist, is shockingly unconvincing.
The music by M.M. Kreem, does nothing to uplift the viewing experience and the only song, a ‘Lori’ sung by Tabu for her daughter, is lacklustre. The background score, however, enhances some of the scenes and accelerates the pace.
The beautiful locales of Mauritius captured effectively by cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee, good production values and even the performances by a stellar cast, cannot salvage a weak plot.
Touted to be a thriller, the element of thrill is sadly missing in debutant Writer-Director Mukul Abhyankar’s ‘Missing’.
–IANS
troy/ahm/nir
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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